WTAM Local News

Browns release rookie charged with attempted murder

PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) — The Cleveland Browns have released a free-agent rookie who has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly punching a man outside a club in northern New Jersey.

Ausar Walcott turned himself in to Passaic police Tuesday after he was identified as a suspect in the incident that happened around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Authorities tell The Record newspaper the 23-year-old Hackensack native and former University of Virginia player punched 24-year-old Derrick Jones in the head just after The Palace Gentlemen's Club closed. Police say Jones, who is from New York City, is in critical condition.

Walcott is held on $500,000 bail. It's not clear if he has a defense lawyer.

The linebacker was signed by the Browns last month. In an earlier statement, the team says it was "aware of the situation." Later Wednesday, the Browns issued a one-sentence statement saying Walcott had been released.